Disclaimer :

The Competition DG makes the information provided by the notifying parties in section 1.2 of Form CO available to the public in order to increase transparency. This information has been prepared by the notifying parties under their sole responsibility, and its content in no way prejudges the view the Commission may take of the planned operation. Nor can the Commission be held responsible for any incorrect or misleading information contained therein.

SECTION 1.2

Description of the concentration

1.On 3 March 2010, the Commission received the notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) 139/2004 by which Warwick Bidco Limited, a special purpose vehicle which is ultimately controlled by Bridgepoint Capital Group Limited ("Bridgepoint"), will acquire, within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the EC Merger Regulation, sole control of Care UK PLC ("Care UK").

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

a. Bridgepoint: a private equity company which invests in companies active in a wide range of sectors across the European Union and beyond; and

b. Care UK: Care UK is an independent provider of health and social care services which is listed on the London Stock Exchange. Care UK operates nursing and residential homes and domiciliary care services for older people, supported living and residential services for people with learning disabilities, mental health homes and hospitals, and services for children with emotional behavioural disorders including residential care and fostering. Care UK also provides a range of healthcare services including the operation of NHS Walk-in centres, GP surgeries, Out of Hours services and treatment centres.